Est. Earnings (1yr)
$43,642
Est. from SC median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$9,298
Est. from national median (27 programs)

Analysis

In South Carolina, HVAC programs typically launch graduates into solid-earning territory, and Spartanburg Community College's estimated outcomes suggest it follows this pattern. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates can expect first-year earnings around $43,642—well above the national median of $35,749 for this credential and competitive with what similar SC community colleges report. The estimated debt load of $9,298 translates to a 0.21 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning you'd owe roughly 2.5 months of gross income. That's manageable territory for a skilled trade credential.

The real question is whether Spartanburg delivers value comparable to other state options. Top-performing programs like Greenville Technical College report earnings above $50,000, suggesting there's variation in outcomes across South Carolina's HVAC schools. Without program-specific data for Spartanburg, it's harder to know where it falls in that spectrum. The modest estimated debt is encouraging—lower than both the state and national medians—but HVAC is a field where program quality and industry connections matter significantly for early career opportunities.

For families considering this investment, the estimated numbers suggest a reasonable starting point: low debt and earnings that should support repayment quickly. However, talking directly with Spartanburg's program about their job placement rates and employer partnerships would help confirm whether these state-level estimates hold true for their specific graduates.

Where Spartanburg Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina

Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) certificate's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (14 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Spartanburg Community CollegeSpartanburg$5,046$43,642*—$9,298*—
Greenville Technical CollegeGreenville$5,639$50,802*$49,045$12,546*0.25
Midlands Technical CollegeWest Columbia$4,788$46,803*$53,555—*—
Horry-Georgetown Technical CollegeConway$4,468$40,480*$48,502$9,500*0.23
Fortis College-ColumbiaColumbia$14,576$35,785*$38,708$13,000*0.36
National Median—$35,749*—$10,223*0.29
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) graduates

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

$59,810/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Spartanburg Community College, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in SC. Actual outcomes may vary.